On the way, Jesus told them, “Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say,
‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’
But after I have been raised from the dead, I will go ahead of you to Galilee and meet you there.”
Peter declared, “Even if everyone else deserts you, I will never desert you.”
Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, Peter—this very night, before the rooster crows, you will deny three times that you even know me.”
“No!” Peter insisted. “Even if I have to die with you, I will never deny you!” And all the other disciples vowed the same.
Matthew 26:31-35
A couple of days ago, there was a great furore about a footballer mistreating his cat.
The video was all over social media and a great outcry went out for the guy to be punished. Phone-ins, petitions and protests have been made.
Everyone was saying how dreadful the cruelty was, and, how they could never do such a thing! Perhaps not!
However, as humans, we do have a tendency to overestimate ourselves.
It's quite gratifying to see some dreadful act and say: "I never could do that", when comparing our self to someone else.
In this passage we read that Peter (and ALL of the other disciples) overestimated themselves and said they would never ever desert or deny Jesus.
Jesus knew better, but it didn't stop Him going to the cross for them or loving them.
At best, we are ALL frail beings, with fallen natures.
Without the intervention of the Holy Spirit, who enables our inabilities, we all end up flat on our face, disappointed and disillusioned!
Until we have a proper understanding of who we are in our own strength, we will always have a tendency to look down on people.
Reading the gospels, Jesus dealt most strongly and condemned the self righteous "goody-goodies" - especially the Pharisees & Sadducees [see Matthew 23]!
1 Corinthians 10:12
So be careful. If you are thinking, “Oh, I would never behave like that”—let this be a warning to you. For you too may fall into sin.
Galatians 6:1-3
Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.
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